Influence of Oxygen on Surface Tension of Zirconium

Zirconium samples with different oxygen concentrations were tested using a ground-based electrostatic levitator at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. The surface tension of liquid zirconium samples was measured in both undercooled and superheated conditions. The effect of oxygen on surface tension was determined: oxygen in zirconium samples decreases the surface tension of liquid samples, with only a small change in the temperature dependence.